Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

Contact Us: 610-375-4949

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We Are Now Offering Telemedicine

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telemedicine

Given the Coronavirus Pandemic, there is a need for non-traditional patient-physician encounters. Therefore, Dr. Gill, Dr. Canner, Dr. Nord, and Dr. Soffer are now performing telemedicine in addition to seeing patients in the office.

Many patients desire a virtual encounter rather than an office visit during this time for obvious reasons. Our goal is, as always, to provide exceptional, cutting-edge and state-of-the-art orthopedic care to each patient so that they may return to an active, rewarding and pain-free life. Please call our office at 610-375-4949 for an office or telemedicine appointment. Hope all stay safe and healthy!

Who Is a Candidate for Reverse Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery?

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reverse shoulder joint replacement surgery

The shoulder is a complex joint consisting of a ball (the upper part of the arm bone) and a socket (the shoulder blade). Surrounding the shoulder joint is the rotator cuff, a group of tendons and muscles which help to stabilize the upper arm bone and facilitate shoulder motion. When any of these essential parts of the shoulder become damaged, discomfort and reduced range of motion may result. If shoulder symptoms are severe and other treatment options are not viable, reverse shoulder joint replacement surgery may be recommended.

Who Is a Candidate for Reverse Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery?

Reverse shoulder replacement is a revolutionary procedure in that it can help patients for whom other treatments have not offered adequate relief from their shoulder symptoms. By reversing the normal positioning of the ball and socket in the joint, this procedure can help to alleviate shoulder pain and increase range of motion.

Here are some of the factors which will influence whether a patient is a suitable candidate for this surgery:

  • Type & Severity of Shoulder Damage – There are a number of circumstances in which a patient may benefit from reverse shoulder replacement. This procedure may be suggested for individuals with severe arthritis (cuff tear arthropathy), irreparable damage to the rotator cuff, significant shoulder pain/immobilization or a previous failed shoulder replacement.
  • Age & Activity Level – Generally speaking, this shoulder surgery is more commonly recommended to older patients than younger ones. Since older individuals tend to be less active, they will have an easier time with recovery. Recovery is typically at least four months. Furthermore, an older patient will most likely put less strain on their operated shoulder than an active young person.

These are a few important considerations when deciding if reverse shoulder joint replacement surgery is a good option for you at this time. Ultimately, your orthopedic surgeon will need to examine your shoulder and ask you a series of questions in order to determine whether you are a candidate.

Depend on Dr. Soffer for Personalized, Experience-Backed Shoulder Care

If you are seeking quality care for lingering shoulder symptoms, Dr. Stephen Soffer is a choice you can rely on. Recognized as one of the top doctors in the U.S. in the field of orthopedic surgery and artificial joint replacement, Dr. Soffer possesses significant expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder conditions. Through state-of-the-art treatments such as reverse shoulder joint replacement surgery, he helps patients get lasting relief from shoulder pain.

Whether your shoulder issue necessitates surgery or can be treated with conservative methods, Dr. Soffer will focus on helping you get back to normal as quickly as possible. To arrange a consultation, please call our office at 610-375-4949.

What Are the Common Causes of Knee Arthritis, and How Is It Treated?

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causes of arthritis in knee

Knee arthritis is a very common condition marked by symptoms such as pain, stiffness and swelling in the knee joint. There are several different types of arthritis which may affect the knee, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. Furthermore, there are a wide range of possible causes of arthritis in knee cartilage, bone and other tissues.

Common Causes of Arthritis in Knee Joint

Depending on the type of arthritis a patient is experiencing and other individual circumstances, the causes of arthritis in the knee can vary greatly. Here are a few factors which may contribute to the development of certain types of knee arthritis:

  • Age – While knee osteoarthritis can develop in younger individuals, it most commonly affects patients over the age of 50. This type of arthritis is caused by wear and tear over time, and thus it is more likely to have its onset later in life.
  • Excess weight – Being overweight can also increase one’s chance of developing knee osteoarthritis. Excess body weight means more stress is placed on the knee joint, which can speed up the wearing down of knee cartilage.
  • Injury – Knee injuries such as meniscus tears may cause lasting damage to the joint, potentially leading to post-traumatic arthritis later down the line. This is why it is important to seek prompt, professional treatment for knee injuries.
  • Genetics – While the exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis remain unknown, medical professionals have determined that family history may contribute to the development of this autoimmune disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis may cause softening of the knee bones, plus swelling in the joint.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all possible causes of arthritis in knee tissue – it is simply an introduction to what might bring about this common knee condition.

A Few Possible Treatments for Knee Arthritis

If you are experiencing ongoing knee discomfort, knee arthritis may be to blame. Depending on the type and severity, there are a number of treatments your orthopedic doctor might suggest. A few examples include:

  • Wearing a knee brace
  • Performing physical therapy exercises
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications
  • Losing weight, if applicable
  • Getting injections of hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids

If these first-line measures do not offer relief for your knee symptoms, your physician might suggest considering arthroscopic knee surgery, or a partial or total knee replacement.

See Dr. Soffer for World-Class Knee Care

Tired of living with knee pain that interferes with your life? Dr. Stephen Soffer is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of knee arthritis and other knee conditions. Offering all of the latest and most effective knee treatments – both surgical and non-surgical – Dr. Soffer is committed to helping his patients feel better.

If you are seeking top-notch knee care in the Reading, PA area, call our office at 610-375-4949 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer. We look forward to helping you resolve your knee issues so that you can resume a full and fulfilling life.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Shoulder Bursitis?

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what kind of doctor treats shoulder bursitis

Shoulder bursitis is a common condition characterized by aching, swelling and/or acute pain in the shoulder joint when it is moved or pressure is applied. The cause of shoulder bursitis is irritation or inflammation of the bursa. The bursa are small, fluid-filled sacs that provide padding to the shoulder tissues and help facilitate joint mobility. If you are experiencing shoulder discomfort and tenderness, you may be curious about what kind of doctor treats shoulder bursitis.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Shoulder Bursitis?

There are a number of medical professionals who might play a part in the treatment of shoulder bursitis, including a sports medicine physician, an orthopedic surgeon and/or a physical therapist. While the symptoms of shoulder bursitis can often be successfully resolved without surgery, there are some cases in which an inflamed bursa will need to be surgically treated in order for a patient to feel relief.

An orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine is the best care provider for shoulder bursitis. Because this medical professional has the skills and training necessary to provide all types of shoulder bursitis treatment, the patient will avoid having to visit a different specialist in the event that surgery is needed.

A Few Possible Treatment Options for Shoulder Bursitis

Now that you know what kind of doctor treats shoulder bursitis most effectively, we would like to discuss a few treatment options which may be recommended for this condition. As previously stated, many cases of shoulder bursitis can be well managed using conservative methods. First-line treatments for shoulder bursitis include:

  • The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation)
  • Physical therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Antibiotics (if infection is present)

As with any joint issue, the right treatment for shoulder bursitis will vary depending on individual factors. These include the patient’s activity level and the severity of their symptoms.

Dr. Soffer Excels in the Treatment of Acute Shoulder Pain

If you are experiencing lingering shoulder discomfort, you may be suffering from bursitis or another shoulder condition. Fortunately, you can depend on Dr. Stephen Soffer to correctly identify the cause of your acute shoulder pain and suggest a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

Dedicated to helping his patients heal as promptly as possible, Dr. Soffer offers all the latest and most advanced shoulder care options, with a focus on minimally invasive treatments. If you are ready to explore treatment options with Dr. Soffer, please call our office at 610-375-4949 to schedule an appointment.

Can a Meniscus Tear Heal Itself Without Surgery?

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Can a meniscus tear heal itself

Generally speaking, the knee is a strong joint which can handle a lot. However, it isn’t always the best at withstanding certain movements. Twisting, squatting and changing positions quickly can all put stress on the knee joint – particularly on its wedge-shaped cartilage called the meniscus. If the strain is great enough, a meniscus tear may result. This can cause symptoms such as knee stiffness, swelling, pain and instability. Should this happen to you, you might wonder: Can a meniscus tear heal itself, or am I going to need surgery?

Can a Meniscus Tear Heal Itself Without Surgery?

As is the case with virtually any orthopedic injury, whether surgery is necessary to heal a torn meniscus will largely depend on individual circumstances. For a specific patient, the answer to “can a meniscus tear heal itself?” will be determined by a combination of these factors:

  • Age
  • Activity level
  • Size of the tear
  • Location of the tear
  • Pattern of the tear (horizontal, radial, etc.)
  • Overall health status

If the tear is located on the outer part of the meniscus, there is a chance that it may heal well on its own. However, if the tear is on the inner two-thirds – where blood supply is limited – it will most likely require surgery.

A patient’s activity level will also play a large role in determining whether they are able to recover from a meniscus tear without surgery. Typically, the more active an individual is, the more likely they are to need surgery in order to return to their normal activities and a pain-free lifestyle.

Seeking Treatment for a Meniscus Tear: Why It’s Important

You may be tempted to “tough it out” and continue your daily activities with a meniscus tear. However, doing so can result in lasting consequences. An untreated meniscus tear can cause more serious knee issues such as arthritis. Further, carrying on with activities can potentially make a meniscus tear more complicated and severe by pulling cartilage fragments into the joint.

Ultimately, finding out if torn meniscus surgery is needed requires examination of the knee by an orthopedic specialist. A skilled orthopedic surgeon can determine the location and severity of your meniscus tear using advanced technology. Taking these findings into account, they will then suggest an individualized treatment plan. 

Dr. Soffer Is Here to Help You Recover from a Meniscus Tear

If you are experiencing symptoms of a torn meniscus, you can trust Dr. Stephen Soffer to provide an accurate diagnosis and any treatment you may need. Dr. Soffer is certified in the treatment of cartilage injuries of the knee, making him a highly qualified choice for your knee care.

To set up an appointment with Dr. Soffer, please call our office at 610-375-4949. We are committed to offering exceptional care so that our patients can recover from their orthopedic injuries as quickly as possible.

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